Inspiration

Hi Friends!

Sorry I've been MIA for awhile. I'm an advocate on an anti-homelessness task force. Our mission is to promote the humane treatment of homeless individuals through community outreach, networking, free meal programs, emergency shelter, housing, mental health referrals, resume writing tools and supportive services. I'm grateful for my interaction with the poor and the marginalized. They teach me many important things. In the face of insurmountable odds, their resiliency is inspirational. If you live on the North Shore of Boston and you're in need of food then please click on the link: Saint John's Church. 

Thank you for all the lovely photos of your finished cross stitch patterns. You're so creative in the way you make some of the patterns into pincushions and pretty boxes. I love how you put your own spin on my patterns. Thank you for taking the time to send me emails with kind comments too. I am very happy you find peace and joy in my cross stitch patterns. You're an inspiration!

For those who missed it, the French Rose Bouquet pattern is for sale now in my shop: French Rose Bouquet

For those interested in the French monogram pattern, I still haven't heard back from the French company about whether they will wholesale just the pattern. I don't think they're too keen on just selling the pattern. At present, the French monogram is sold only as a kit. If you're interested in the monogram kit, it can be found on their website: French Monogram

I'm always on the hunt for vintage needlework. There are two more pieces coming my way this week. I hope to share them with you soon. I love needlework because it's textural and three dimensional. The walls of my tiny home are filled with my own finished pieces, hoop art and vintage needlework treasures.

I recently purchased a freestyle floral hoop-art piece stitched by the talented Tessa Perlow. She updates her shop on a regular basis.You can view more of her work here: Tessa Perlow

Finally, I'm stitching a small pattern with blooms and a bunny, As usual, I'm stitching this design with silk thread. I hope to offer this petite pattern in my shop soon.  

That's all for now....until next time..happy summer stitching! xx ~ J

Tessa Perlow's Inspirational Hoop Art

I love sharing the work of embroidery artists. I stay inspired this way. Tessa Perlow's beautiful blooms can be found in her Etsy Shop. A wonderful interview with Tessa was done by Sarah K Benning in her Craft With Conscience Series. I hope Tessa's work inspires you too! Until next time...Happy Stitching! xx ~ J

Freestyle Embroidery & My Instagram Addiction

Cinder And Honey

Cinder And Honey

Cinder And Honey

Sew And Saunders 

Sew And Saunders 

Sew And Saunders 

Sew and Saunders 

Sarah K. Benning 

Sarah K. Benning 

Sarah K. Benning 

Tessa Perlow 

Hello Friends! How have you been? Sorry I've been MIA from the blog for awhile. We all need breaks to recharge our batteries, right? During my hiatus, I was involved in helping a few homeless folks in my city. Together with that, I spent way too much time on Instagram swooning over the work of freestyle embroidery designers and other cross stitch designers. I bought some beautiful hand-dyed pink wool from my cross stitching buddy, Jacob, across the pond. I was dazzled and bewildered with the amount of beautiful Instagram photos available 24/7.  Instagram was my addiction. I was distracted. I was annoyed by my lack of focus. There were a number of people who shared politics along with their arts and crafts. Like bitter pills, I take my politics in doses. All of this Instagram information was a very strange brew leading to burnout.

I find it hard to control how many brownies I eat. I can't seem to manage how much time I spend ogling Instagram photos or reading endless comments or watching videos of folks who exercise five hours a day or live in vans or eat vegan Australian food or journey around the globe. I'm rambling too long here. It's cathartic to write this. Thank you for your patience. I suppose everyone must find their own way in life, both online and in the real world. The journey continues....

In the world of freestyle embroidery on the 'gram, I'm drawn to the work of Cinder And Honey, Sew And Saunders  and Sarah K. Benning. Sarah is a traveling artist. Plants are her thing. You can read more about how Sarah quit her day job, at Whole Foods, to travel to Spain and pursue her embroidery passion on The Everygirl.  (As a side note, if you're looking for some cozy comfort food, The Everygirl also shared my Butternut Squash And Apple Bisque, along with many other delicious recipes here. Sorry for shamelessly plugging my recipe.)